Exercise makes your brain produce more BDNF, especially in the memory center (hippocampus), which helps improve memory and create new brain cells.
Scientific Claim
Physical exercise increases BDNF levels in the brain, particularly in the hippocampus, and this increase is associated with improved memory function and neurogenesis in both animal models and humans.
Source Excerpt
“The most robust experiments supporting the fundamental role of BDNF in exercise-induced improvement in cognitive function are the ones in which blockade of BDNF impaired the cognitive improvements induced by exercise. showed that the exercise-induced enhancement of learning in the MWM task was blocked by TrkB-IgG administrated during the exercise period. Furthermore, exercise enabled the acquisition of sub threshold experiences (object location memory task) and this effect was dependent on BDNF. A similar effect was reported by using BDNF siRNA to diminish BDNF function. In aged animals, hippocampal neurogenesis and BDNF levels can increase with exercise. Although these effects are not as robust as those seen in younger animals, the increase in BDNF seems to ameliorate mental deterioration and improve memory function. In fact, long-term exercise programs are able to rescue these cognitive deficits even after the first signs of mnemonic impairment.”
Evidence from Studies
Supporting Studies
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor: A Key Molecule for Memory in the Healthy and the Pathological Brain
The study describes multiple studies showing that exercise increases BDNF levels and that this increase is associated with improved memory function and neurogenesis. The language used is appropriately correlational, noting 'associated with' and 'dependent on BDNF'.